For 16 years, Kay Brooks has been the force behind many of the College of Pharmacy’s most meaningful student experiences. Joining the college as a Public Service Assistant in Experience Programs, she has brought together a rare blend of pharmacy expertise, health promotion knowledge, and a love for mentoring students. Over time, that blend shaped programs that have truly connected students with the communities they will one day serve.
From launching the Healthy Fit wellness initiative to developing standardized patient counseling simulations, Brooks’ work always comes back to one core idea: giving students the tools and confidence to make a difference. Whether in the classroom, at a wellness screening, or in a counseling simulation, she has built experiences that have left a lasting mark.
“Kay Brooks may be retiring from the classroom, but the impact of her work will remain—woven into the curriculum, carried forward by former students, and reflected in every patient interaction made better by the experiences she helped create,” said Dr. Lori Duke, Assistant Dean for Experience Programs, and Kay’s director supervisor. “We all wish her joy, rest, and new adventures in the years ahead.”
Brooks will retire from her position on June 30th. Now, as she steps away from academia and into a new chapter filled with yoga, golf, health coaching, and travel, we take a moment to look back on her impact—in her own words.
When did you start at the College?
In 2009 as a part-time Public Service Assistant in Experience Programs.
Why were you interested in joining the College?
My initial position in Experience Programs was the perfect way to blend my career interests and training—pharmacy, health promotion and coaching, community outreach, and working with college students.
What positions have you served in at the College?
In 2009, I helped create and precept a new P2 IPPE experience to better meet accreditation standards by integrating IPPEs across the P1–P3 years. One of those was Healthy Fit, a worksite wellness program in collaboration with Athens-Clarke County. Students worked in teams to help participants understand personal risk factors for chronic disease, educate them on prevention and management strategies, and support positive health changes around medication adherence, nutrition, and exercise.
In 2016, I transitioned into my current role as Associate Director of IPPE, in which I focused on managing the Community IPPE block and working with faculty on simulations and coursework to prepare students for this experience.
Who were mentors for you at the College?
So many come to mind, but a few who really stand out are Drs. Lori Duke, Charles McDuffie, and Matt Perri. Each one, in their own way, helped me grow professionally by recognizing my strengths, trusting my input, and offering valuable feedback and support. That said, Lori Duke has been especially influential. She leads by example, with unwavering integrity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her leadership style has left a lasting impression on me and continues to shape how I approach challenges and support those around me.
What was your most indelible memory of the College?
The first Beat the Pack tobacco cessation program. Pfizer allowed us to adapt their materials, and we offered the program to UGA and Athens community members in response to a new tobacco surcharge for UGA employees. The room was full of people looking for assistance to quit smoking, and our students rose to the challenge. I can still see them working with their patients. Many of those students are now preceptors or faculty.
To this day, I run into participants from Healthy Fit or Beat the Pack around town. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how these student-run programs had a lasting, positive effect!
What is your lasting legacy at the College?
Developing and refining student experiences that helped shape their skills and confidence. Along with Healthy Fit and Beat the Pack, I’m proud of the Public Health Giardia Interprofessional Education program and the Standardized Patient Counseling encounters. These give P1 students a chance to apply new skills—whether it’s working as part of a care team or counseling a patient. Students often start out nervous but finish those experiences energized about their ability to contribute to patient care.
What will you miss the most?
The connections—with faculty, staff, the students, and the creative energy that comes from building something new. I’ve truly enjoyed teaching and advising, especially with Phi Lambda Sigma, the pharmacy leadership society. Watching students grow and seeing their commitment to service and leadership has always inspired me. I’ll miss being a part of their journeys.
What do you plan to do in retirement?
No firm plans yet! I have lots of hobbies—golf, yoga, gardening, learning about herbal medicine, baking sourdough, and making kombucha. I also hope to get more involved in my church’s outreach programs and take on some health coaching clients again. My husband and I also hope to do some traveling.
Kay Brooks may be retiring from the classroom, but the impact of her work will remain—woven into the curriculum, carried forward by former students, and reflected in every patient interaction made better by the experiences she helped create. The College of Pharmacy wishes her joy, rest, and new adventures in the years ahead.
